Mathias Cormann takes role at University of WA as honorary professor

Mathias Cormann is still focused on his campaign to become the next secretary-general of the OECD, but in the meantime he has a new role.

Former finance minister and OECD leadership aspirant Mathias Cormann has been appointed an honorary professor at the University of Western Australia. Photo: Sean Davey.

Former finance minister Mathias Cormann is still focused on his campaign to become the next secretary-general of the OECD, but in the meantime he has a new role as an adjunct professor at the University of Western Australia Business School.

UWA vice-chancellor Amit Chakma on Monday welcomed Mr Cormann to his new unpaid job in which he will give guest lectures to students and offer support to academic researchers.

“Mathias Cormann’s distinguished career in public life more than qualifies him for this honorary position at UWA,” Professor Chakma said.

“I am confident that the knowledge Professor Cormann will offer UWA’s teaching program will substantially augment our students’ learning experience.”

The university plans for Mr Cormann to lecture to both undergraduate and postgraduate students and to play a special role speaking to masterclasses for MBA students.

He is expected to continue in the adjunct professorship even if he succeeds in winning the Europe-based role leading the OECD.

“I fully support Australia’s bid for Adjunct Professor Cormann to become the next secretary-general of the OECD and we will adjust his program at UWA as necessary if he is chosen to serve in that role,” Professor Chakma said.

Mr Cormann is Australia’s longest serving finance minister, holding the job for over seven years from September 2013 to November 2020.

He said he loved Western Australia and wanted to help build the next generation of WA leaders through teaching at UWA Business School. He represented the state in the Senate from 2007 to 2020.

“Wherever my career takes me in the future, and yes of course I would love to serve OECD members as their next secretary-general, Western Australia will always be home for me and my family,” Mr Cormann said

“I’m truly thrilled that the University of Western Australia has given me this opportunity to contribute in this voluntary capacity.

“I have always believed in the power of education. It lifts our social and economic wellbeing, developing knowledge and skills and creating great opportunities both for our students and for our community. I am delighted to be able to share my experiences as Finance Minister with students.